DogJoy!

When I'm shooting, there are moments when I just put my camera down and watch. She may be interacting with her humans or sniffing the grass or running to fetch a ball... the fact that dogs bond with us and accept us as we are is the definition of dog magic!

2022 did not work out the way I had hoped it would. I had plans for some pretty big projects leading into 2023. Imagine my surprise when, while watching holidays movies one afternoon, I realized I did not want to work on these projects! I gave myself some time to ponder this realization and figure out what it was that I DID want to do. It all boiled down to me wanting to spend more time with dogs and less time on my computer, less time on social media & less time inside.

When I let my imagination run wild with this thought of spending more time with dogs, I realized that my life was cluttered with too much "stuff" and not enough play time with dogs. If I let this idea become fully realized, I would meet every dog in Seattle and I let this drive my plans for 2023.

I went so far as to create a list of "Seattle Dogs I Want To Meet" that I follow on Instagram. And...I've met some of them!

 DogJoy! is a made up word (I do that sometimes) that encompasses all of the joyful things about being with a dog. It will mean different things to different people, of course.

But, for me DogJoy! is:

• Being in the moment with a dog and forgetting everything else. It's not a conscious decision, it just happens.
• Leaning into the dog's world. Seeing things from the dog's perspective...literally. Ask any of my clients and they will tell you that I spend a lot of time laying on my stomach when I'm shooting.
• Being still and just observing the dog in her joy, whether she is working, playing, having a "sniffari" (thank you to Blue for introducing me to that word), or even just napping. There is something magical about a dog if you are still and just watch.
• Basking in the "welcome home" I get from Mozi when I walk through the door. If your dog does that too, give it some thought. Who else does that?
• Oh, that moment when a dog acknowledges me and wants to interact with me...especially when the human at the other end of the leash didn't see it! I get down on the dog's level and let the magic happen. I've heard so many times "my dog doesn't usually acknowledge most people". Well, I'm not most people.
• When I'm shooting, there are moments when I just put my camera down and watch. She may be interacting with her humans or sniffing the grass or running to fetch a ball... the fact that dogs bond with us and accept us as we are is the definition of dog magic!
• Spending more time with more dogs. You see, I live in a condo on the 3rd floor. I don't have a yard, so Mozi and I spend a lot of time walking. She doesn't have much opportunity for zoomies or playing outside of the house. Dog parks are out for her. She gets overwhelmed and cranky. She will be 9 this year. She is slowing down a bit. While I try to help her transition into her senior years, the thought of a puppy comes up...a lot. But, because of my living situation, I don't think it's a good idea. So, in order to spend time with more dogs, I had to come up with some clever ideas to make that happen.

I could go on and on about this, but I know you're a busy person with things to do and your dog would probably appreciate some play time right now or a walk.

So go! Go spend time with your dog with these thoughts fresh in your mind and see if you can find DogJoy! If you do, let me know! Reach out on social media or send me an email.

Hugs to your dog!
Holly